Last night I did a little meal delivery to a family in town that is going through some not so fun times. The momma of this family is battling cancer, and she is determined to win. But knowing that getting dinner on the table for me is sometimes a struggle I couldn’t imagine how hard it maybe for her. So a dinner was planned. If being raised in a small town taught me one thing it was that you take care of each other. It was awesome to visit with this family last night and hear how strong this lady is. I have know her all my life and I have always known she is strong but man alive she is prepared and ready for this battle, one that I know she can win!
If you need a meal to take to someone this one is perfect! It is pretty quick and easy as well as kid friendly. I strongly encourage you try to do this for a friend, a new mom, a family who has lost a loved one, pretty much anyone who could use a pick me up. Trust me it is an awesome feeling to know you helped someone out with something as simple as a meal.
These recipes are for two pans of Enchiladas and a double batch of rice.
Ranch Chicken Enchiladas
6 chicken breasts
2 packets of chicken taco seasoning
2 packets of ranch seasoning
2 cups of chicken broth
8 oz of bottled ranch dressing plus more for drizzling
8 oz of jarred salsa
16 tortillas
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Place chicken breasts in the crock pot sprinkle ranch and taco seasoning over and add the broth. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until shreddable (is that a word???). I did this Monday night while I was fixing supper and then just warmed the chicken back up last night before I started to assemble.
Pre-heat oven to 350. Mix ranch dressing and salsa set aside. Alright let’s get these made! Spread a little of the salsa ranch sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Grab a tortilla spread a spoon full of sauce on the tortilla, next add some chicken (this chicken should be enough for 16 tortillas), sprinkle some cheese on top and finally roll it up. Repeat with the other tortillas, total of 8 per pan. When your pan is full spread some more sauce on top and cover it with cheese. Cover with aluminum foil (I spray the back of my foil with Pam so the cheese doesn’t stick)
Back for 25-30 minutes covered and 5 uncovered. When it comes out of the oven drizzle with ranch dressing. Delish!
Spanish Rice and Beans
3 cups of long grain rice
¼ cup orzo pasta
3 cups of chicken broth
3 cups of water
1 onion diced
1 can of diced tomatoes (I use the cilantro lime flavored ones (I can only find these at my local store))
1 tbsp cumin
3 dashes of hot sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 can of black beans rinsed and drained
Grab a skillet and sauté your onion in a bit of EVOO. When it is soft add the orzo and let it toast for a few minutes, then add in the rice. Stir this all around to get the rice and pasta sort of coated with the oil. Pour in the broth and water. Add the tomatoes and seasonings. Cover and let cook over medium for 20 minutes, just keep an eye on it at the end and add more broth or water if you need. When the rice is done and all liquid absorbed stir in the beans. Cover for a few minutes and allow it to sit on the stove with no heat on. Then uncover and ENJOY!
I hope you all enjoy these recipes! And if you have time just say an extra prayer for all the individuals and their families that are in a battle with that dirty word CANCER.
